There is much that goes into ensuring the proper, safe and healthy growth of our plants. At Long & Scott Farms for instance, we farm on sand and we have to constantly monitor growing conditions.
Routine soil samples are taken in each field before each crop. Samples are also taken if we have any problems with plants that are not growing properly. This is done so we have healthy soil and we can make fertilizer adjustments as needed. However, fertilizer is just a quick fix as it does not build the soil like organic matter does. We also check for soil ph. The ph of the soil can be adjusted with lime and sulfur . If certain nutrients like calcium are out of whack this can cause other nutrients to be bound and not available to the plant. A soil report will also tell us the Cation Exchange Capacity, which is the ability of the soil to hold nutrients. Most all nutrients that are found in the soil are also found in the human body. This is why fruits and vegetables are very nutritious .Nutrients are transferred from the soil to the plant and the fruit through photosynthesis (sunlight). Different types of soil and weather conditions can effect the taste of vegetables.
Come on over to Scott’s Country Market and try some of our sand-farm produce! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please let us hear from you.
Cade Easley
Integrated pest manager
Cade@longandscottfarms.com
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